NBA Champion Marco Belinelli Stuns Fans with Emotional Retirement After Legendary Career
Veteran NBA guard and 2014 NBA Champion Marco Belinelli has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, closing the chapter on a career that spanned continents, championships, and countless clutch three-pointers.
Belinelli, a native of Italy, was selected 18th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2007 NBA Draft. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and off-ball movement, Belinelli carved out a reputation as a reliable scorer throughout his 13-year NBA tenure. While he suited up for multiple teams — including the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Hornets, Sacramento Kings, and Philadelphia 76ers — his most memorable run came with the San Antonio Spurs. It was there, in 2014, that Belinelli played a key role off the bench during the team’s championship-winning campaign, shooting an impressive 42.1% from beyond the arc in the playoffs.
Though never a star, Belinelli was the epitome of a consummate role player — unselfish, disciplined, and always ready to make a big shot. After leaving the NBA, he returned to Europe, where he continued to play at a high level in Italy’s top league with Virtus Bologna, further cementing his status as one of the most successful Italian basketball players in history.
Now, after years of dedication to the sport on both sides of the Atlantic, Belinelli steps away from the game. His legacy remains that of a dependable scorer, a champion, and an international ambassador for Italian basketball.
